Western Diamondback

[Crotalus]

Originally posted by Ultimate Instar
I am NOT belittling the danger that these animals present but I wonder how much risk is involved if one uses proper handling techniques. According to what I've read, most bite victims are 18-25, male, drunk and have room temperature IQs. Either that or they think God wants them to pull stupidly dangerous stunts. I feel sorry for the rattlers who get abused because of human stupidity.

Karen N.

You are right that most bites occur when the guy is drunk. This is the kind of people that get a snake to impress their teenage girlfriend or friends with.
However, a bite can happen to the most careful keeper. Snakes can do (and WILL do) something unexpected. Especially after a while when the snake have gotten use to the keeper, suddenly the snake dont wanna get on the hook and freaks out. And large diamondbacks have a strike range that is 2/3 of its body.

Phil, good advice!
Addition : never work with venomous snakes if you feel tired or in othervise feel a bit off or stressed. Never get a routine in changing water (thinking well the snake are always calm). Just be on top of your toes and be ready for the unexpected.

/Lelle

 

[Ravnos]

Originally posted by Crotalus And large diamondbacks have a strike range that is 2/3 of its body.

I've seen some throw their entire body forward in a strike when particularily agitated. Well beyond two thirds. You just have to keep on your toes and know your animal. I would certainly not recommend an atrox as someone's first hot just because of their sometimes flighty nature.

Hooks, tongs, hemostats, clear tubes, a shift bucket, locking cage, locking room for locking cage, and write out a bite protocol book - it could save your life.

Rav

 

[MrT]

Wes,
In his new pad.

 

[MrT]

Heres the whole cage.

Its a 10 gal. cage, so that gives you an idea how small he is.

He's in the lower left hand corner..



E

 

[BigSam]

Hey Ernie I want to see that up close. Can't believe you got a rattlesnake in your house.

Sam,

 

[MrT]

Wes,
Eatting a fuzzy.




Ern

 

[BigSam]

Does he eat like a python or a boa ?? Cuz I've heard that vemous snakes bite there prey and let go and wait for there prey to die then they go and eat it ?? Did he do that or how did he eat it ??

Sam,

 

[MrT]

You got it Sam,
He struck it and let go. The fuzzy was dead in 30 secs.
Then he ate it..


E

 

[BigSam]

thats so cool

Sam,

 

[Crotalus]

Originally posted by BigSam
Does he eat like a python or a boa ?? Cuz I've heard that vemous snakes bite there prey and let go and wait for there prey to die then they go and eat it ?? Did he do that or how did he eat it ??

Sam,

Depends on prey size, a smaller prey can be bitten and hold on to while a larger prey get bitten and released. There are arboreal venomous snakes that bite and always hold the prey.

/Lelle